Massage Therapist Salary in Jacksonville, FL: $53,651 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Jacksonville, FL earns a median $53,651/year (≈ $25.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Jacksonville's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 99.5), that paycheck buys what $53,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Florida state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Jacksonville, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $53,651, which falls short of the national median of $61,975, representing a notable difference of 13.43%. Salaries range significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $33,484, and more experienced professionals reaching up to $83,806 annually. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the competitive earnings potential in Jacksonville's massage therapy sector. However, it's essential for therapists in this market to consider tips, especially in spa environments, as they can significantly enhance overall compensation and reflect the local job market dynamics.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,484 | $16.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,869 | $23.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,651 | $25.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,594 | $32.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,806 | $40.29 |
Median Salary Position
13.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, FL, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,322 (2026 est.). At $53,651, the local median is 13.43% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jacksonville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jacksonville Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Jacksonville median: $53,651/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jacksonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $53,015 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -13.43% less |
Massage Therapists in Jacksonville, FL earn a median of $53,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.43% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% above the Florida state average of $53,015.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jacksonville has a cost of living 0.52% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jacksonville, FL has a cost-of-living index of 99.484 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $53,651 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,929 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,240
2025 BLS Actual
$50,600
2026 Current Est.
$53,651
2019–2027 Growth
+57.0%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,651 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,886 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jacksonville metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 39.6% from $36,240 (2019) to $50,600 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,886 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,646 (56.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jacksonville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,484 – $48,869 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,869 – $53,651 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,651 – $67,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,594 – $83,806 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Jacksonville
With approximately 650 massage therapists employed in Jacksonville, the local job market offers a range of opportunities but also reflects the varying compensation levels throughout the industry. The cost of living index in Jacksonville stands at 99.484, slightly below the national average, which can impact purchasing power. Top-paying employers in the area often include chiropractic clinics, sports medicine practices, and high-end hotel spas, while franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay. Factors like self-employment, which can yield higher earnings thanks to direct client payments, and tips, which can comprise 15-25% of service fees, play a significant role in shaping income. Furthermore, specializing in areas such as oncology or sports massage may allow therapists to command higher rates. To maximize their pay in Jacksonville, therapists may consider diversifying their skill set, building a strong client base, and negotiating effectively with employers.
More salary data for Jacksonville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,600 for massage therapistsin the Jacksonville metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov